‘25 states to pay Rs 1 crore each as environment compensation’

NEW DELHI: Governments of 25 states have to pay a fine of Rs 1 crore each as environment compensation for not submitting action plans on plastic waste disposal to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave April 30, as deadline for submission of the action plans. As per the orders from NGT, failing to submit the action plan, the states would have to pay CPCB a compensation of Rs 1 crore per month till they submit the action plan.

S K Nigam, former additional director of CPCB said, “States did not comply with our orders, so we moved to NGT and now they are not complying NGT orders even. So they will have to pay compensation for it. The conditions were poor in terms of plastic waste and solid waste management rules as states do not prioritise it. Waste management is the last in priority list of municipal corporations.”

Explaining the reason behind the non-compliance by state governments, Ashish Jain, Chairman, Indian pollution Control Association (IPCA) said, “There is a lack of knowledge between state officials and also a communication gap between state and central government. The ministry of environment needs to conduct awareness programs to educate state authorities to carry out necessary measures to segregate plastic waste.

Earlier, NGT directed all states and UTs except Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and Puducherry to submit their action plan for plastic waste disposal for compliance of Plastic Waste Management Rules to CPCB by April 30, 2019. In its orders, NGT said, “It is made clear that any failure in this regard will result insult in defaulting states being required to pay compensation to be deposited with the CPCB at a monthly rate of Rs 1 crore.”

It is to be mentioned that, more than 20 states including UTs imposed a complete ban on plastic carry bags, but due to improper regulations of the programme, thin carry bags and other plastic products are indiscriminately stocked, sold and being used in majority of cities and towns.

NGT said, “The ban imposed by states and UTs is not effective in a majority of states and UTs, including Delhi. Burning of plastic waste in cities, towns and villages, including dumping sites is continuing. Huge quantity of plastic waste is spread on railway tracks, bus stations in Delhi NCR and other cities/towns.”